We Face Forward

Art From West Africa Today


Manchester is to embrace West Africa's art culture this Summer with a series of dazzling exhibitions, installations and concerts, as part of London Festival 2012. The movement titled 'We Face Forward', is to showcase contemporary art and music from countries across West Africa, between 2nd June and and 16th September. Events will be taking place in and around Manchester's galleries, museums and music venues in attempt to examine the similarities between the city and West Africa, through the means of exploring economic and cultural differences, as well as environment and sustainability.

For the first time, Manchester Art Gallery, Whitworth Art Gallery and The Gallery of Costume are joining forces to bring exhibitions containing a wide range of mediums, featuring everything from paintings and photography, to textiles and sculpture. With such a large body of work on display, which also includes video and sound pieces, it is a privilege to involve the works of internationally acclaimed artists, such Georges Adeagbo, El Anatsui and Romuald Hazaume.

However, art isn't the only aspect to enjoy of this West African celebration! Band on the Wall are to curate a fantastic music programme, featuring world-renowned acts, such as the international supergroup, AfroCubism, who are to play Bridgewater Hall on Sunday 3rd June. Other artists will also include, Endless Journey, Angelique Kidjo, and Jaliba Kujateh. While, further exhibitions of football will be taking place at the National Football Museum and The Manchester
Museum are to host a re-interpretation of the Anasi Spider Stories, presented by the African Caribbean Carers Group.

All this and more activities are taking place over summer, including a art tour bus, which will expand it's travels around Manchester's galleries and parks.

 

For more information visit www.wefaceforward.org

 

 

 

Joanna Laurence

 

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